Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri resigned on Monday, two days before the end of the second regular session of the 19th Congress, putting an end to the coup rumors that had plagued his two-year term in the senate.

“Today, I offer my resignation as Senate President, and upon stepping down I vow to serve as an independent member of the Senate—my allegiance, as ever, belonging to no one but the people,” Zubiri stated in a privilege speech.

“I leave with my head held high, knowing I did what is right for the Senate and for the nation,” the senator added.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano nominated Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero for Senate President following Zubiri’s statement.

The twenty-four members of the upper house promptly voted Escudero as the new head, with no opposition. In his remarks, Escudero expressed gratitude to Zubiri and praised his accomplishments during the previous two years as Senate President.

“Hopefully, you will not leave my side when I ask for guidance and your wisdom. Sana magkasama tayo sa mga darating na panahon,” Escudero said in his first address as Senate president.

“Failed to follow instructions from the powers that be” – Zubiri

The outgoing Senate President, whose two-year tenure was plagued by coup rumors, was obviously distraught as he addressed his colleagues, telling them that he had “fought the good fight.”

“I failed to follow instructions from the powers that be, simple as that,” Zubiri stated during his privilege speech.

“If I’ve ruffled some feathers in doing so, then so be it,” he said.

Zubiri stated that he had put himself “on the line to shield the Senate from all attacks” and worked to keep the upper chamber independent despite “threats against our institution.”

“God knows what I had to do to defend the Senate,” the outgoing Senate president added.

At least two ousting plot rumors dogged Zubiri’s two years as Senate President; the most recent one surfaced in March. Sen. Imee Marcos asserted at the time that members of the House of Representatives were responsible for the push for a Senate leadership change.

Senators responded by signing a manifesto endorsing Zubiri, 17 of the 24 signed.

Escudero, Sens. Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano, Cynthia Villar, Imee Marcos, Robin Padilla, and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. did not sign the manifesto.

Senators resigned from committee chairmanships

Some senators resigned from their positions in response to Zubiri’s resignation.

Resigning as majority leader, Senator Joel Villanueva stated that his personal interests were outweighed by the greater expense.

Senator Francis Tolentino assumed Villanueva’s positions as Majority Leader and concurrent chairman of the Senate Rules Committee.

Senators Sonny Angara and Nancy Binay both submitted their resignations from their positions as heads of the Senate committees.

Prior to their resignation, Angara chaired the subcommittee on constitutional amendments and oversaw the Senate Committees on Youth, Finance, and Accounts, while Binay led the Senate Committees on Accounts, Tourism, and Ethics.

Senator JV Ejercito, the deputy majority leader, also resigned.

Senator Loren Legarda was replaced as Senate President Pro Tempore by Senator Jinggoy Estrada.

Conversely, Senator Alan Cayetano was chosen to lead the Committee on Accounts.

📷 Chiz Escudero FB